Wireless earbuds equipped with an antenna

Abstract

An earbud according to an embodiment may include a housing having a main body portion having a speaker port and a stoke extending from the main body portion; and an antenna structure disposed within the stoke to radiate a wireless signal to the outside of the earbud. The antenna structure may include an antenna pattern formed with a first length connected to a feed portion and radiating the signal; and a ground pattern connected to a ground pattern of the PCB and formed to surround the antenna pattern on one side and the other side of the antenna pattern.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] This specification relates to electronic devices, and more specifically, to electronic devices having an antenna. A specific embodiment relates to wireless earbuds having an antenna and a control circuit. Background Technology

[0002] Electronic devices, such as electronic accessories for mobile phones, computers, and other electronic equipment, may contain wireless circuits. For example, earbuds can be used as electronic devices that communicate wirelessly with mobile phones and other equipment.

[0003] Small electronic devices, such as wireless earbuds, can be configured to receive content played from a host device, a mobile terminal, via the Bluetooth frequency band. Wireless earbuds are wearable electronic devices inserted into the human ear.

[0004] Another problem may arise in implementing antennas and wireless communication circuits in small electronic devices such as wireless earbuds. In this regard, the antenna inside the main body of the wireless earbud, which is worn on the human body, may not function effectively to radiate wireless signals. Consequently, there is a problem in that it is difficult to achieve the desired level of wireless communication performance through wireless communication with surrounding electronic devices.

[0005] Wireless earbuds may be designed to receive wireless signals via the Bluetooth frequency band of the 2.4 GHz band. An antenna provided inside the wireless earbud to receive wireless signals may be placed in the protrusion of the earbud, that is, the stock portion. In this regard, considering the resonance length of the antenna operating in the 2.4 GHz band, the length of the stock portion of the earbud increases. From a design perspective considering the use of the earbud, the length of the stock portion of the earbud may be limited to a certain length or less. Therefore, the present specification requires an antenna design capable of reducing the length of the antenna.

[0006] Meanwhile, the operational bandwidth of the antenna equipped in the wireless earbuds needs to be designed to be wider than that of other electronic devices that perform wireless communication via the Bluetooth frequency band. This is because the antenna resonance frequency may change depending on the movement of the human body or the movement of the wireless earbuds within the ear canal when worn.

[0007] In addition, wireless quality in the 2.4GHz Bluetooth frequency band may degrade depending on the surrounding environment of the user wearing the wireless earbuds. When wireless quality degrades in this way, the playback of content such as music transmitted from the host device to the wireless earbuds may be delayed or the quality of the content may be degraded. To resolve this issue, it may be necessary to establish a wireless connection between the host device and the wireless earbuds in frequency bands other than the 2.4GHz band. The problem to be solved

[0008] The present specification aims to solve the aforementioned problems and other problems. Additionally, another objective is to provide wireless earbuds having an antenna structure with a reduced antenna length.

[0009] Another objective of this specification is to enable an antenna structure provided in a wireless earbud to operate in multiple frequency bands.

[0010] Another objective of this specification is to increase the operating bandwidth of an antenna provided in a wireless earbud.

[0011] Another objective of this specification is to stably receive wireless signals even when the antenna resonance frequency changes as the wireless earbuds are worn.

[0012] Another objective of the present specification is to minimize changes in antenna performance due to the narrow antenna placement space located inside the mechanism of the wireless earbud.

[0013] Another objective of the present specification is to minimize changes in antenna performance due to the narrow antenna placement space located inside the mechanism of the wireless earbud. means of solving the problem

[0014] To achieve the above or other purposes, an earbud according to an embodiment may include a housing having a main body portion having a speaker port and a stoke extending from the main body portion; and an antenna structure disposed within the stoke to radiate a wireless signal to the outside of the earbud. The antenna structure may include an antenna pattern formed with a first length connected to a feed portion and so as to radiate the signal; and a ground pattern connected to a ground pattern of the PCB and formed to surround the antenna pattern on one side and the other side of the antenna pattern.

[0015] In an embodiment, the earbud may include a printed circuit board (PCB) configured to be electrically connected to the antenna structure. The antenna structure may include a feed portion configured to be connected to a signal pattern of the PCB and to transmit a signal.

[0016] In an embodiment, the ground pattern may include a first ground pattern formed with a second length on one side of the antenna pattern and connected to the ground pattern of the PCB. The ground pattern may include a second ground pattern formed with a third length and connected to the first ground pattern. The ground pattern may include a third ground pattern formed with a fourth length on the other side of the antenna pattern and connected to the second ground pattern. At least one of the first ground pattern and the third ground pattern may be formed with a width wider than the width of the antenna pattern.

[0017] In an embodiment, the second ground pattern may be formed perpendicularly to the first ground pattern and arranged parallel to the feed section. The third ground pattern may be formed perpendicularly to the second ground pattern and arranged parallel to the antenna pattern.

[0018] In an embodiment, the third ground pattern may form an overlapping area that overlaps with the antenna pattern by a predetermined length in an axial direction on the other side of the antenna pattern.

[0019] In an embodiment, the second ground pattern may be formed with a length greater than the length of the feed portion in the other axis direction perpendicular to the first axis direction.

[0020] In an embodiment, the antenna pattern may be formed on a first flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) connected to a first surface of the PCB.

[0021] In an embodiment, the ground pattern may be formed on a second FPCB connected to a second surface facing a first surface of the PCB. The second FPCB may include a first region attached to the second surface of the PCB. The second FPCB may include a second region formed to surround the antenna pattern and coupled with the antenna pattern to form a radiation region.

[0022] In an embodiment, the earbud may include a battery attached to the second FPCB having the first ground pattern formed thereon and disposed in the space between the first FPCB having the antenna pattern formed thereon and the second FPCB.

[0023] In an embodiment, the first ground pattern may include a first sub-pattern spaced apart from the third ground pattern by a first spacing. The first ground pattern may include a second sub-pattern that is bent at the end of the first sub-pattern and spaced apart from the third ground pattern by a second spacing narrower than the first spacing.

[0024] In an embodiment, the earbud may include a microphone module attached to the second sub-pattern and disposed in the space between the first FPCB and the second FPCB on which the antenna pattern is formed.

[0025] In an embodiment, the first surface of the battery and the second surface of the microphone module may be attached to the second FPCB. The second surface of the battery and the second surface of the microphone module may form the first ground pattern.

[0026] In an embodiment, the third gap between the second surface of the battery and the third ground pattern and the fourth gap between the second surface of the microphone module and the third ground pattern may be formed to be less than or equal to a predetermined gap.

[0027] In an embodiment, the antenna structure can operate as a radiator in the 2.4 GHz band. The antenna structure can operate as a radiator in the 5 GHz band. The total length, which is the sum of the first length of the antenna pattern, the second length of the first ground pattern, the connection length of the second ground pattern, and the third length of the third ground pattern, can be formed within a predetermined range of half-wavelength length in the 2.4 GHz band.

[0028] In an embodiment, the antenna structure may operate as a radiator in the 2.4 GHz band. The antenna structure may operate as a radiator in the 5 GHz band. The length of the overlapping area between the antenna pattern and the third ground pattern may be formed in a range between 1 mm and 5 mm. The first length of the antenna pattern may be formed to be 1.0 mm or more, the second length of the first ground pattern may be formed to be 3.0 mm or more, the connection length of the second ground pattern may be formed to be 0.5 mm or more, and the third length of the third ground pattern may be formed to be 1.0 mm or more.

[0029] In an embodiment, the length of the overlapping area may be formed within a predetermined range from 1.5 mm. The first length of the antenna pattern may be formed within a predetermined range from 7.4 mm, the second length of the first ground pattern may be formed within a predetermined range from 13.5 mm, the connection length of the second ground pattern may be formed within a predetermined range from 4.5 mm, and the third length of the third ground pattern may be formed within a predetermined range from 8.6 mm.

[0030] In an embodiment, the length of the overlapping area may be formed within a predetermined range from 4.0 mm. The first length of the antenna pattern may be formed within a predetermined range from 6.0 mm, the second length of the first ground pattern may be formed within a predetermined range from 7.0 mm, the connection length of the second ground pattern may be formed within a predetermined range from 4.5 mm, and the third length of the third ground pattern may be formed within a predetermined range from 6.0 mm.

[0031] An electronic device receiving a wireless signal containing content according to another aspect of the present specification may include a dielectric housing having a main body portion having a port and a protruding portion extending from the main body portion; and an antenna module disposed within the protruding portion to radiate a wireless signal to the outside of the electronic device. The antenna module may include a feed portion configured to transmit a signal connected to a signal pattern of a circuit structure disposed inside the main body portion; a radiator pattern formed with a first length connected to the feed portion and radiating the signal; and a ground pattern connected to a ground pattern of the circuit structure and formed to surround the radiator pattern on one side and the other side of the radiator pattern.

[0032] In an embodiment, the circuit structure may be implemented as a printed circuit board (PCB) configured to be electrically connected to the antenna module. The ground pattern may include a first ground pattern formed with a second length on one side of the radiator pattern and connected to the ground pattern of the PCB. The ground pattern may include a second ground pattern formed with a third length and connected to the first ground pattern. The ground pattern may include a third ground pattern formed with a fourth length on the other side of the radiator pattern and connected to the second ground pattern.

[0033] In an embodiment, the second ground pattern may be formed perpendicular to the first ground pattern and arranged parallel to the feed section. The third ground pattern may be formed perpendicular to the second ground pattern and arranged parallel to the radiator pattern. The third ground pattern may form an overlapping area that overlaps with the radiator pattern by a predetermined length in an axial direction on the other side of the radiator pattern.

[0034] In an embodiment, the electronic device may include an RF circuit that is operably coupled to the antenna module and transmits a wireless signal of a specific frequency band to the antenna module. The electronic device may include a processor that is operably coupled to the RF circuit and configured to control the RF circuit.

[0035] In an embodiment, the processor can control the RF circuit so that a first wireless signal of a first frequency band is received through the antenna module. If it is determined that the signal quality of the first wireless signal is below a threshold, the processor can control the RF circuit so that a second wireless signal of a second frequency band higher than the first frequency band is received from the host device through the antenna module. Effects of the invention

[0036] The technical effects of wireless earbuds equipped with such an antenna structure are explained as follows.

[0037] According to the present specification, an antenna structure with a reduced antenna length is placed inside the housing of a wireless earbud to receive a wireless signal containing content.

[0038] According to the present specification, an antenna structure in an electronic device such as wireless earbuds is configured to operate in multiple frequency bands, thereby enabling stable reception of wireless signals even when the surrounding environment changes.

[0039] According to the present specification, antenna bandwidth characteristics can be improved by increasing the effective volume of the antenna by forming a ground pattern to surround the antenna pattern.

[0040] According to the present specification, the effective volume of the antenna can be increased by forming a ground pattern to surround the antenna pattern, thereby improving the antenna efficiency characteristics.

[0041] According to the present specification, an antenna structure in an electronic device, such as a wireless earbud, can be configured to operate in a wideband manner.

[0042] According to the present specification, when wearing wireless earbuds, wireless signals can be stably received even when the antenna resonance frequency changes due to human movement or movement of the wireless earbuds within the space inside the ear.

[0043] According to the present specification, changes in antenna performance due to the narrow antenna placement space placed inside the mechanism of the wireless earbud can be minimized, thereby stably maintaining wireless communication performance.

[0044] Further scopes of the applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention are clearly understood by those skilled in the art, specific embodiments, such as the detailed description and preferred embodiments of the present invention, should be understood as being given merely as examples. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0045] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an exemplary system including an electronic device that communicates wirelessly with a wearable electronic device, such as a wireless earbud, according to the present specification. FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3 show a front perspective view and a rear perspective view of an earbud according to the present specification. FIGS. 4 and FIGS. 5 show a radiator structure formed inside an earbud according to embodiments. FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing antenna characteristics according to the effective volume of the antenna and a conceptual diagram showing the resonance length of a dipole antenna and an antenna with a coupled loop structure proposed in this specification. FIG. 7 shows a side view and a front view of an antenna structure according to the present specification. Figure 8 compares the antenna bandwidth characteristics and antenna efficiency characteristics according to the antenna structures of Figure 7. Figure 9 shows the antenna structure of a dipole antenna and a coupled loop structure, and the resulting dual resonance characteristics. Figure 10 shows the VSWR characteristics according to parameter adjustment in the antenna structures of Figures 9(a) and 9(b). FIGS. 11a and FIGS. 11b show antenna structures having different overlapping region lengths according to embodiments. FIG. 12 shows the side view of an earbud and the internal structure viewed from the side according to the present specification. FIG. 13 shows a structure in which the antenna pattern and ground pattern of the side exterior of the earbud of FIG. 12 are implemented in the form of an FPCB. Figure 14 shows the front exterior of the earbud of Figure 12 and the internal structure viewed from the front. FIG. 15 shows the configuration of an electronic device having an antenna module according to the present specification and the antenna module. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0046] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Identical or similar components regardless of drawing symbols will be assigned the same reference number, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. The suffixes "module" and "part" used for components in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably solely for the ease of drafting the specification and do not inherently possess distinct meanings or roles. Furthermore, in describing embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of related prior art could obscure the essence of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, such detailed description will be omitted. Additionally, the attached drawings are intended only to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification; the technical concept disclosed in this specification is not limited by the attached drawings, and it should be understood that they include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0047] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0048] When it is stated that one component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0049] A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0050] In this application, terms such as “comprising” or “having” are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0051] The electronic devices described herein may be wearable devices. Wireless wearable electronic devices, such as wireless earbuds, may communicate with a host device and with each other. Any suitable type of host electronic device and wearable wireless electronic device may be used in this type of arrangement. The use of a wireless host, such as a cellular phone, computer, or wristwatch, may sometimes be described in this specification as an example. Additionally, any suitable wearable wireless electronic device may communicate wirelessly with a wireless host. The use of wireless earbuds to communicate with a wireless host is merely illustrative.

[0052] A wireless electronic device host can communicate wirelessly with an accessory device such as earbuds. In this regard, FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an exemplary system including an electronic device that communicates wirelessly with a wearable electronic device such as wireless earbuds according to the present specification.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 1, the host electronic device (100a) may be a mobile terminal or a wireless earbud and other wearable device capable of performing wireless communication, but is not limited thereto. The host electronic device (100a) may be implemented as any electronic device capable of performing wireless communication with the wireless earbud, such as a computer, a laptop computer, a content playback device of a home network, or a communication device of a vehicle.

[0054] The wireless earbud (100) may be configured to include various components. In this regard, the wireless earbud (100) may be configured to include an antenna module (200), an RF circuit (10), and a sensor module (20). The wireless earbud (100) may be configured to further include a control circuit (30), a battery (40), and a speaker (50). Meanwhile, the host electronic device (100a) may be configured to include an antenna module (200a) and an RF circuit (10a) to perform wireless communication with the earbud (100). The host electronic device (100a) may be configured to further include a sensor module (20), a control circuit (30), a battery (40), and a speaker (50), but is not limited thereto. The host electronic device (100a) may be configured to include more components than the earbud (100).

[0055] The antenna module (200) may be configured to receive a wireless signal containing voice content from a host electronic device (100a). The antenna module (200) may be configured to receive a wireless signal from the host electronic device (100a) in a Bluetooth band, for example, a band of 2.4 to 2.488 GHz. In this regard, the wireless communication link between the host electronic device (100a) and the earbud (100) is not limited to Bluetooth communication. Any wireless communication link capable of supporting short-range wireless communication between the host electronic device (100a) and the earbud (100), such as a short-range wireless communication link in a 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or other frequency band, may be used. Depending on the application, a wireless communication link in a mobile communication frequency band or a wireless communication link in a millimeter wave band that supports IoT wireless communication may also be used.

[0056] Additionally, when user input is applied by an operation button provided on the earbud (100), a control command to control playback and volume of voice content, etc., can be transmitted to the host electronic device (100a) through the antenna module (200). The antenna module (200a) of the host electronic device (100a) can receive a wireless signal containing the control command in the Bluetooth band.

[0057] The antenna module (200) can be operably coupled with the RF circuit (10). The antenna module (200) can be connected to the signal pattern of the RF circuit (10) via a feed section (FP). The antenna module (200) can be connected to the ground pattern of the RF circuit (10) via a ground connection section (GP). The RF circuit (10) can be configured to amplify, filter, and process signals transmitted and received through the antenna module (200).

[0058] The sensor module (20) may be configured to include at least one sensor. The sensor module (20) may be configured to include a proximity sensor capable of detecting user movement and proximity, a touch sensor capable of detecting user input, and a pressure sensor, but is not limited thereto. The sensor module (20) may further include an accelerometer and a gyroscope.

[0059] The control circuit (30) can be operably coupled with the sensor module (20), battery (40), and speaker (50). The control circuit (30) can be configured to control the operation of the sensor module (20), battery (40), and speaker (50).

[0060] The battery (40) may be configured to supply power to various electronic components placed inside the earbud (100). The battery (40) may be configured to store power when power is received from a charger and to supply power to various electronic components. The speaker (50) may be configured to play voice content received from the host electronic device (100a).

[0061] Meanwhile, the earbud (100) according to the present specification may be formed with a housing-shaped mechanical structure and configured to have a port, such as a speaker port, formed externally. In this regard, an antenna module capable of receiving or transmitting a wireless signal from the earbud (100) may be disposed inside the housing. In this regard, FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3 show a front perspective view and a rear perspective view of the earbud according to the present specification.

[0062] Referring to the front perspective view of FIG. 2, the earbud (100) can be divided into a front (100F) and a rear (100R) based on one axis. The housing (120) may have a main body portion (120b) in which a speaker port (120a) is formed. The speaker port (120a) may be formed to face the front of the earbud (100). An elongated protruding portion, such as a stock portion (122) of the housing (120), may extend outward from the main housing portion (120b). The stock portion (122) may be formed as an elongated protruding portion having a predetermined length (L) and diameter (D).

[0063] The main body (120b) may have a shape that fits the user's ear. The speaker (20) may be mounted on the main body (120b) and aligned with the speaker port (120a). The speaker (20) may be used to provide sound to the user's ear. The speaker port (120a) may be formed from one or more openings of the housing (120). One or more layers of plastic or metal mesh may be interposed between the speaker (20) and the opening(s) of the housing (120).

[0064] The housing (120) may be formed of metal, plastic, carbon fiber composite or other fiber composite, glass, ceramic, other materials, or a combination of these materials. The long shape of the stocking (122) enables the user to hold the earbud (100) in their hand at the ear. The stocking (122) may extend from the main body portion (120b) at the rear (100R) of the housing (120) and may extend along the longitudinal stocking axis (120). Depending on the application, the stocking (122) may be formed in a curved shape of a certain shape in addition to a straight shape.

[0065] FIG. 3 shows a rear perspective view of the earbud (100) of FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the antenna (200) may have an elongated shape extending along an axis parallel to the length of the stock (122). The antenna (200) may be formed from the feed portion (108) to the lower region of the stock (122), but is not limited thereto.

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3, the antenna (200) may overlap with a structure such as a battery (26) and other conductive components located in an internal region (124) of the housing (120). This structure may include a conductive material that tends to shield the antenna (200).

[0067] The antenna feed section (108) may be located at the joint (12J) of the housing (120) between the main body section (120b) and the stock (122), rather than at a location that overlaps with the area (124) of the main body section (120b). Placing the antenna feed section at a second location (108), such as the joint (120J), rather than at a first location (108'), such as the main main body section (120b), may help minimize unwanted radiation and current consumption occurring on a different ground plane. By minimizing such unwanted radiation and current consumption, the battery's current consumption can be reduced and antenna efficiency can be improved.

[0068] The antenna (200) may be formed as a patterned metal pattern or metal trace on a printed circuit board (PCB). In addition to a rigid substrate, the PCB may be composed of a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) (e.g., a printed circuit formed from a sheet of polyimide or other polymer substrate material).

[0069] Hereinafter, a configuration for performing wireless communication with an electronic device outside the earbud through a radiator disposed inside the earbud according to the present specification is described. The electronic device outside the earbud corresponds to the host electronic device (100a) of FIG. 1, and the earbud may correspond to the earbud (100) of FIG. 1. The earbud (100) can perform wireless communication with the host electronic device (100a) through an antenna module (200). The earbud corresponds to a type of electronic device that receives content through wireless communication with the host electronic device. The earbud may be referred to as TWS (True Wireless Stereo). The structure of the radiator disposed inside the earbud that performs wireless communication with the host electronic device is described in detail.

[0070] In this regard, FIGS. 4 and 5 show a radiator structure formed inside an earbud according to embodiments. FIGS. 4(a) and FIGS. 4(b) show a side view and a front view, respectively, of an antenna positioned inside an external structure of an earbud.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 4, an antenna structure (200a) may be formed inside the housing (120) of the earbud (100). The antenna structure (200a) may include a feed section (210), an antenna pattern (220a), and a ground (230). The earbud (100) may further include a battery (240) and a microphone module (250). The feed section (210) may be configured to be connected to a signal pattern of the PCB (150) and to transmit a signal to the antenna pattern (220a). The antenna pattern (220a) may be formed to a predetermined length so that it is connected to the feed section (210) and radiates a signal. The ground (230) may be configured to be connected to a ground pattern of the PCB (150). The ground (230) may be configured to be connected to the housing (120) of the earbud (100).

[0072] The antenna structure (200a) applied to the earbud (100) can be implemented as an Inverted-F antenna. In this regard, since a resonance phenomenon occurs due to the antenna pattern (220a), the antenna pattern (220a) can be referred to as a Resonating Element Arm. For example, the antenna pattern (220a) can be implemented with a length within a predetermined range from 1 / 4 of the wavelength in the 2.4 GHz band.

[0073] Meanwhile, in order to improve the wearability of the earbud (100), it is necessary to reduce the length of the stock (122) corresponding to the bar portion. In this regard, when the length of the stock (122) portion of the earbud (100) is reduced, a shortage of antenna resonance length and performance degradation may occur in the 2.4GHz band. Additionally, wireless performance may be degraded when the earbud (100) performs wireless communication via a Bluetooth interface in a crowded public place. To this end, the antenna structure of the earbud (100) needs to operate in other frequency bands, such as the UWB band, in addition to the 2.4GHz band. To this end, the antenna structure of the earbud (100) needs to be configured to generate multiple resonances so that it resonates in other frequency bands in addition to the 2.4GHz band.

[0074] FIG. 5 shows an antenna structure with a coupled loop structure that can be formed inside an earbud. In this regard, FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing antenna characteristics according to the effective volume of the antenna and a conceptual diagram showing the resonance length of a dipole antenna and an antenna with a coupled loop structure proposed in this specification. Meanwhile, FIG. 7 shows a side view and a front view of an antenna structure according to this specification.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 5, the antenna pattern (220) of the proposed antenna structure may be formed as a loop antenna configured to be coupled in a uniaxial direction with a ground pattern (230). The antenna structure (200) may be configured to include a feed section (210), an antenna pattern (220), and a ground pattern (230).

[0076] Accordingly, the antenna structure presented in this specification proposes an antenna structure for improving the antenna performance of bar-type wireless earbuds. In this regard, dipole antennas, monopole antennas, and Inverted-F antennas do not easily improve antenna performance if they do not satisfy antenna performance requirements such as bandwidth and efficiency. Meanwhile, when the length of the bar portion of a bar-type wireless earbud is reduced, issues such as insufficient resonance length and antenna performance degradation may occur in the 2.4GHz band. Furthermore, since it is not easy to implement multiple resonances with these antennas, it is not easy to provide wireless communication services in frequency bands other than the Bluetooth band.

[0077] Meanwhile, the antenna structure presented in this specification is a loop structure antenna to which a coupling technique is applied. As described above, the loop structure antenna may be configured to include an antenna pattern (220), a ground pattern (230), and a feed section (210). The antenna structure (200) may resonate at a length of approximately 1 / 2 of the wavelength from the feed section (210) to the connection section of the ground pattern (230). However, the antenna structure (200) can adjust the resonance length of the antenna by utilizing an overlap region corresponding to the overlap length (Lo) between the antenna pattern (220) and the ground pattern (230).

[0078] Accordingly, the antenna structure (200) proposed in FIG. 5 can improve bandwidth and efficiency compared to dipole, monopole, and inverted-F antennas by utilizing the entire bar portion of the earbud. Even when the length of the bar portion of the earbud is reduced, the antenna structure (200) can achieve resonance length in the 2.4 GHz band and improve antenna performance. In addition, the antenna structure (200) can achieve multiple resonances, enabling the provision of additional wireless communication services other than Bluetooth.

[0079] In this regard, the distinguishing feature of the antenna structure (200) of FIG. 5 is that the ground pattern (230) is utilized as an antenna. In this regard, the ground (230) is also formed in the antenna structure of FIG. 4, and a flexible circuit board (FPCB) can be placed in the same area as the ground (230). Meanwhile, the FPCB may be an unnecessary ground structure from an antenna perspective, such as for connecting a microphone or power line. Therefore, the ground structure of the FPCB may degrade antenna performance or cause parasitic resonance. In the antenna structure of FIG. 4, the impact on the antenna pattern (220a) can be minimized by minimizing the ground (230) area.

[0080] Meanwhile, the antenna structure (200) of FIG. 5 has structural and technical features in that it utilizes a ground structure, which may cause antenna performance degradation or parasitic resonance, as a separate ground pattern (230). The antenna structure (200) enables overall antenna performance improvement and size reduction by utilizing a ground structure, which may cause antenna performance degradation or parasitic resonance, as a ground pattern. In the antenna structure (200) of FIG. 5, a microphone and power line can be connected to the FPCB to implement the ground pattern (230). Since the ground pattern of the FPCB to which the microphone and power line are connected is utilized as an antenna, the antenna structure (200) of FIG. 5 enables antenna performance improvement and size reduction.

[0081] Referring to Fig. 6(a), the antenna bandwidth characteristics and antenna efficiency characteristics can be determined according to the effective volume formed by the antenna. The effective volume can be determined by the distance (r) at which the antenna's near field is formed. If the effective volume of the antenna according to the distance (r) is expressed in electrical units, kr 3 It can be expressed as such. Therefore, the antenna bandwidth characteristics and antenna efficiency characteristics may be proportional to the effective volume of the antenna. Meanwhile, the resonance length of the antenna is inversely proportional to the length L of the antenna. This principle is not limited to the dipole antenna of FIG. 7(a) but also applies to monopole antennas, inverted F antennas, and the antenna structure (200) of FIG. 7(c). Accordingly, antenna performance may be degraded when the antenna is implemented within the limited space of the earbud stock portion.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 6(b), the dipole antenna may be configured to include a PCB (150), a feed section (210), and an antenna pattern (220a). The resonance length of the dipole antenna may be determined by the sum of the length of the feed section (210) and the length of the antenna pattern (220a). In this regard, the antenna is not limited to a dipole antenna and may be replaced with a monopole antenna or an inverted F antenna.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 6(c), the antenna structure (200) may be configured to include a feed section (210), an antenna pattern (220), and a ground pattern (230). The resonance length of the antenna structure (200) may be determined by the sum of the length of the feed section (210), the length of the antenna pattern (220), and the length of the ground pattern (230). The antenna pattern (220) and the ground pattern (230) may be arranged to have an overlapping length. In this regard, the resonance length of the antenna structure (200) may be determined by subtracting the overlapping length of the antenna pattern (220) and the ground pattern (230) from the sum of the length of the feed section (210), the length of the antenna pattern (220), and the length of the ground pattern (230).

[0084] FIG. 7(a) shows a side view of an antenna structure (200) having a ground pattern (230) formed to surround an antenna pattern (220) placed in the stock (122), i.e., the bar portion of a wireless earbud. FIG. 7(b) shows a front view of an antenna structure (200) having a ground pattern (230) formed to surround an antenna pattern (220) placed in the stock (122), i.e., the bar portion of a wireless earbud.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 7, the antenna structure (200) may be configured to include a feed section (210), an antenna pattern (220), and a ground pattern (230). Referring to FIG. 7(a), a first ground pattern (231) may be formed at a distance of a first gap (Gb1) from one side of the stock (122). A second ground pattern (232) may be formed at a distance of a second gap (Gb2) from the bottom of the stock (122). A third ground pattern (233) may be formed at a distance of a third gap (Gb3) from the bottom of the stock (122). In this regard, the first gap (Gb1) and the second gap (Gb3) may be formed at a predetermined distance or greater, taking into account the lowest frequency within the operating band of the antenna structure (200). In this regard, the length (L2) of the first ground pattern (231) is formed to be shorter than the length (L4) of the third ground pattern (233). Accordingly, the first gap (Gb1) can be formed wider than the third gap (Gb3). The second gap (Gb2) can be set to a minimum gap to minimize the length of the earbud stock (122). The second gap (Gb2) can also be formed to be greater than a predetermined gap, taking into account the lowest frequency within the operating band of the antenna structure (200).

[0086] Referring to FIG. 7(b), the width of the antenna pattern (220) and the width of the ground pattern (230) may be set to have the same width or the difference thereof may be within a predetermined range for ease of manufacturing. As another example, the width of the ground pattern (230) may be formed wider than the width of the antenna pattern (220) in consideration of the fringing field on one side and the other side of the antenna pattern (220).

[0087] As the width (W2) of the ground pattern (230) is formed wider than the width (W1) of the antenna pattern (220), the electric field becomes more concentrated within the antenna structure (200) than when formed with the same width. Additionally, as the width (W2) of the ground pattern (230) is formed wider than the width (W1) of the antenna pattern (220), the degree of freedom in antenna design increases, and impedance matching can be achieved over a wider bandwidth. Therefore, as the width (W2) of the ground pattern (230) is formed wider than the width (W1) of the antenna pattern (220), antenna efficiency characteristics and bandwidth characteristics can be improved.

[0088] The width (W2) of the first ground pattern (231) and the third ground pattern (233) may be formed wider than the width (W1) of the antenna pattern (220). As another example, the width (W2) of at least one of the first ground pattern (231) and the third ground pattern (233) may be formed wider than the width (W1) of the antenna pattern (220). In this regard, the width of the third ground pattern (233) having an overlap length (Lo) may be formed wider than the width of the first ground pattern (231). Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the overall antenna size along with improving antenna bandwidth characteristics through the overlap area having the overlap length (Lo).

[0089] Meanwhile, Fig. 8 compares the antenna bandwidth characteristics and antenna efficiency characteristics according to the antenna structures of Fig. 7.

[0090] Referring to FIGS. 7 and FIGS. 8(a), the voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) of the dipole antenna has its lowest value at the first frequency (f0) of the first frequency band. Therefore, the resonant frequency of the dipole antenna can be determined as the first frequency (f0) of the first frequency band. Referring to FIGS. 7 and FIGS. 8(b), the VSWR of the antenna structure (200) has its lowest value at the first frequency (f0) of the first frequency band. Therefore, the resonant frequency of the antenna structure (200) can also be determined as the first frequency (f0) of the first frequency band. In this regard, the impedance bandwidth of the antenna structure (200) is formed to be wider than the impedance bandwidth of the dipole antenna, so the antenna structure (200) operates in a broadband manner. Since the antenna structure (200) operating in a broadband manner has a wide bandwidth, the sensitivity caused by changes in antenna characteristics due to human contact when wearing earbuds is reduced.

[0091] Referring to FIGS. 7, FIGS. 8(c) and FIGS. 8(d), the gain (or efficiency) of the antenna structure (200) has a higher value at the first frequency (f0) than the gain (or efficiency) of the dipole antenna. The bandwidth characteristics based on the antenna gain (or antenna efficiency) also show that the antenna structure (200) has a wider characteristic than the dipole antenna.

[0092] Meanwhile, the antenna structure of the coupled loop structure according to the present specification can operate as a radiator in a second frequency band in addition to the first frequency band. Accordingly, the antenna structure of the coupled loop structure can operate as a multi-band radiator operating in multiple bands. FIG. 9 shows a dipole antenna and an antenna structure of the coupled loop structure and the dual resonance characteristics resulting therefrom.

[0093] Referring to FIGS. 7 and FIGS. 9(a), the dipole antenna is configured to include a feed section (210) connected to a PCB (150) and an antenna pattern (220a) connected to the feed section (210). The resonant length of the dipole antenna can be determined by the sum of the length of the feed section (210) and the length of the antenna pattern (220a). The length of the antenna pattern (220a) is longer than the length of the feed section (210) and acts as the main radiator. Thus, the antenna pattern (220a) can be referred to as a resonating element arm.

[0094] The radiator structure is not limited to a dipole antenna but can be implemented as a monopole antenna or an Inverted-F antenna. When implemented as a monopole antenna, the sum of the length of the feed section (210) and the length of the antenna pattern (220a) can be determined to be a value within a predetermined range from 1 / 4 of the wavelength in the first frequency band.

[0095] Referring to FIGS. 7 and FIGS. 9(b), the antenna structure (220) is configured to include a feed section (210) connected to a PCB (150), an antenna pattern (220) connected to the feed section (210), and a ground pattern (230) coupled to the antenna pattern (220). The resonance length of the antenna structure (220) can be determined by subtracting the overlap length from the sum of the length of the feed section (210), the length of the antenna pattern (220), and the length of the ground pattern (230).

[0096] The length and width of the antenna pattern (220a) can be adjusted to tune the performance of the antenna in FIG. 8(b) and FIG. 9(a). By adjusting the length and width of the antenna pattern (220a), the impedance matching characteristics can be changed, and accordingly, the resonant frequency can be changed. The length and width of the antenna pattern (220) can be adjusted to tune the performance of the antenna structure (200) in FIG. 7(c) and FIG. 8(b). The length and width of the ground pattern (230) can be adjusted to tune the performance of the antenna structure (200). Additionally, the performance of the antenna structure (200) can be tuned by adjusting the spacing (G1, G2) between the antenna pattern (220) and the ground pattern (230). Through the aforementioned parameter adjustment, the impedance matching characteristics of the antenna structure (200) can be changed, and accordingly, the resonant frequency can be changed.

[0097] With reference to FIGS. 6(b), FIGS. 9(a), and FIGS. 9(c), it is explained whether the antenna operates in a dual-band manner in a first frequency band and a second frequency band. The antenna resonates in dual frequency at the first frequency band at the first frequency (f0) and at the second frequency band at the second frequency (f1). However, the VSWR value of the antenna at the second frequency (f1) is higher than the VSWR value of the antenna at the first frequency (f0), resulting in degraded antenna performance. Since the VSWR value of the antenna at the second frequency (f1) is greater than a threshold value, the antenna cannot practically operate as a radiator in the second frequency band. Therefore, the antenna structures of FIGS. 7(b) and FIGS. 8(a) do not facilitate the implementation of multiple resonance.

[0098] Referring to FIGS. 6(c), FIGS. 9(b) and FIGS. 9(d), the antenna structure (200) can be implemented to operate in a dual-band manner in a first frequency band and a second frequency band. The antenna structure (200) resonates in dual at a first frequency (f0) in the first frequency band and a second frequency (f1) in the second frequency band. Both the VSWR value of the antenna at the second frequency (f1) and the VSWR value of the antenna at the first frequency (f0) have values ​​below a threshold. Therefore, the antenna structure (200) can be implemented to operate in a first frequency band and a second frequency band. Thus, the antenna structure (200) of FIGS. 6(c) and FIGS. 9(b) can be implemented to perform multiple resonance.

[0099] Meanwhile, the antenna resonance characteristics according to parameter adjustment in the antenna structures of FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b) are described as follows. In this regard, FIG. 10 shows the VSWR characteristics according to parameter adjustment in the antenna structures of FIGS. 9(a) and 9(b).

[0100] The resonant frequency of the antenna can be adjusted by controlling the effective length (La), which is the sum of the length of the feed section (210) and the length of the antenna pattern (220a) in the antenna of FIG. 9(a). Referring to FIG. 9(a) and FIG. 10(a), as La is changed to 11mm, 14mm, and 17mm, the resonant frequency shifts to a lower frequency. In this regard, to set the resonant frequency of the antenna placed in the earbud to the 2.4GHz band, the resonant length of the antenna must be maintained at a level of 1 / 2 or 1 / 4 of the wavelength. Therefore, it is difficult to reduce the resonant length of the antenna to a level below a predetermined level of 1 / 4 of the wavelength. Accordingly, the effective length (La) of the antenna in FIG. 9(a) must be formed to be longer than a predetermined length. However, considering the effective length (La) of the antenna, there is a limit to reducing the length of the bar section corresponding to the stock part of the earbud.

[0101] In the antenna structure (200) of FIG. 9(b), the resonant frequency of the antenna can be adjusted by controlling the overlap length (Lo) between the antenna pattern (220) and the ground pattern (230). Referring to FIG. 9(b) and FIG. 10(b), as Lo is changed to 1mm, 3mm, and 5mm, the resonant frequency shifts to a lower frequency. In this regard, the resonant frequency can be changed without increasing the effective length of the antenna structure (200) by increasing the overlap length (Lo) between the antenna pattern (220) and the ground pattern (230). Therefore, tuning of the resonant frequency is possible by increasing the overlap length (Lo) without increasing the maximum length in the axial direction of the ground pattern (230) in the antenna structure (200). Thus, the resonant frequency can be maintained constant while increasing the overlap length (Lo) and decreasing the length in the axial direction of the antenna structure (200). Accordingly, there is an advantage in that the length of the bar portion corresponding to the stock portion of the earbud can be reduced while maintaining the resonant frequency of the antenna structure (200).

[0102] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3 and FIGS. 5 to 10, the earbud (100) may be configured to include a housing (120), an antenna structure (200), and a printed circuit board (PCB) (150). The housing (120) may have a main body portion (120b) having a speaker port and a stoke (120a) extending from the main body portion (120b). The antenna structure (200) may be configured to be positioned within the stoke (120b) to radiate a wireless signal to the outside of the earbud (100). The PCB (150) may be configured to be electrically connected to the antenna structure (200).

[0103] An antenna structure (200) may be formed inside the housing (120) of the earbud (100). The antenna structure (200a) may include a feed section (210), an antenna pattern (220), and a ground pattern (230). In this regard, the feed section (210) may be configured to be connected to a signal pattern of the PCB (150) and to transmit a signal to the antenna pattern (220). The antenna pattern (220) may be formed with a first length (L1) so as to be connected to the feed section (210) and to radiate a signal. The ground pattern (230) may be configured to be connected to the ground pattern of the PCB (150). The ground pattern (230) may be formed to surround the antenna pattern (220) with a second length (L2) and a third length (L3) on one side and the other side of the antenna pattern (220).

[0104] The ground pattern (230) may be configured to include a plurality of conductive patterns. The ground pattern (230) implemented with a plurality of conductive patterns may be formed to surround the antenna pattern (220). The ground pattern (230) may be configured to include a first ground pattern (231) and a second ground pattern (232). Accordingly, the ground pattern (230) may be positioned to surround the antenna pattern (220) in the lower region and the side region of the antenna pattern (220).

[0105] To further reduce the overall length of the antenna structure (200), the ground pattern (230) may be configured to include a first ground pattern (231), a second ground pattern (232), and a third ground pattern (233). The first ground pattern (231) may be configured to be connected to the ground pattern of the PCB (150). The first ground pattern (231) may be formed with a second length (L2) on one side of the antenna pattern (230). The second ground pattern (232) may be formed to be connected to the first ground pattern (231). The second ground pattern (232) may be formed with a fourth length (L4) in the lower region of the antenna pattern (220). The third ground pattern (232) may be formed to be connected to the second ground pattern (232). The third ground pattern (232) can be formed with a third length (L3) on the other side of the antenna pattern (220).

[0106] The width (W2) of the first ground pattern (231) and the third ground pattern (233) may be formed wider than the width (W1) of the antenna pattern (220). As another example, the width (W2) of at least one of the first ground pattern (231) and the third ground pattern (233) may be formed wider than the width (W1) of the antenna pattern (220). In this regard, the width of the third ground pattern (233) having an overlap length (Lo) may be formed wider than the width of the first ground pattern (231). Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the overall antenna size along with improving antenna bandwidth characteristics through the overlap area having the overlap length (Lo).

[0107] The second ground pattern (232) may be formed perpendicularly to the first ground pattern (231). The second ground pattern (232) may be arranged parallel to the feed section (220). The third ground pattern (233) may be formed perpendicularly to the second ground pattern (232). The third ground pattern (233) may be arranged parallel to the antenna pattern (220). The third ground pattern (233) may form an overlapping area that overlaps with the antenna pattern (220) by a predetermined length in one axis direction on the other side of the antenna pattern (220). The third ground pattern (233) may be arranged parallel to the antenna pattern (220) in one axis direction and may have an overlapping length (Lo) in the other axis direction.

[0108] In the other axis direction perpendicular to the first axis direction, the second ground pattern (232) can be formed with a length (L4) longer than the length (Lf) of the feed section (210). Accordingly, the ground pattern (230) can be formed to surround the antenna pattern (2220) on one side and the other side. Thus, the overall size of the antenna structure (200) can be reduced compared to the case where the ground pattern (230) is formed only on one side or the other side.

[0109] The antenna structure (200) can be implemented such that the length from the feed section (210) to the ground pattern (230) connected to the PCB (150) is within a predetermined range from half the wavelength in the 2.4 GHz band. In this regard, antenna characteristics such as resonance frequency and impedance matching characteristics can be adjusted by controlling the overlapping length (Lo) between the antenna pattern (220) and the ground pattern (230). By using the entire stock (122) portion of the earbud (100) to increase the antenna volume, the antenna structure (200) can have improved bandwidth and efficiency compared to a conventional Inverted-F antenna.

[0110] In this regard, the antenna structure (200) can operate as a radiator in the Bluetooth band, which is the 2.4 GHz band. It can operate as a radiator by the total length, which is the sum of the first length (L1) of the antenna pattern (220), the second length (L2) of the first ground pattern (231), the connection length (L4) of the second ground pattern (232), and the third length (L3) of the third ground pattern (233). By L1 + L2 + L3 + L4, the antenna structure (200) can be formed within a predetermined range from a half-wavelength length in the 2.4 GHz band. By L1 + L2 + L3 + L4 - Lo, which is the total length minus the overlap length (Lo), the antenna structure (200) can be formed within a predetermined range from a half-wavelength length in the 2.4 GHz band.

[0111] Additionally, the antenna structure (200) can operate as a radiator in a frequency band other than the 2.4 GHz band. For example, the antenna structure (200) can also operate as a radiator in the 5 GHz band. The antenna structure (200) can also operate as a radiator in the UWB band or Wi-Fi band of the 5 GHz band. In this regard, in the antenna structure (200) having an overlapping length (Lo), the amount of coupling between the antenna pattern (220) and the ground pattern (230) in the 5 GHz band can be reduced compared to 2.4 GHz. Accordingly, the resonance length of the antenna structure (200) in the 5 GHz band can be determined by the length (L1) of the antenna pattern (220). The resonance length of the antenna structure (200) in the 5 GHz band can be formed as a length that is longer than the length (L1) of the antenna pattern (220) by a predetermined range.

[0112] The length of each part of the antenna structure (200) operating in a dual band of a first frequency band and a second frequency band can be determined as follows. In this regard, the antenna structure (200) operating in a dual band can operate as a radiator in the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band. The length (Lo) of the overlapping area of ​​the antenna pattern (220) and the third ground pattern (233) can be formed in a range between 1 mm and 5 mm. In this regard, FIGS. 11a and FIGS. 11b illustrate antenna structures having different overlapping area lengths according to embodiments.

[0113] FIG. 10a shows an antenna structure (200-1) when the length (Lo) of the overlap area is 1.5 mm. FIG. 10b shows an antenna structure (200-2) when the length (Lo) of the overlap area is 4.0 mm. Referring to FIG. 10a and FIG. 10b, as the length (Lo) of the overlap area increases, the length of the antenna pattern (220) and the length of the ground pattern (230) can be further reduced. Accordingly, as the length (Lo) of the overlap area increases, the overall size of the antenna structure (200-2) can be reduced.

[0114] However, if the length of the overlap region (Lo) is increased beyond the first threshold, the bandwidth characteristics may degrade slightly as the overall size decreases. On the other hand, if the length of the overlap region (Lo) is reduced below the second threshold, the overall size increases and double resonance characteristics may not occur.

[0115] Referring to FIG. 11a and FIG. 11b, the length (Lo) of the overlapping area between the antenna pattern (220) and the third ground pattern (233) can be formed in a range between 1 mm and 5 mm. Referring to FIG. 10a, in the first example structure, the first length (L1) of the antenna pattern (220) can be formed to be 1.0 mm or more. As an example, the first length (L1) of the antenna pattern (220) can be formed to be approximately 7.4 mm or more within a predetermined range, but is not limited thereto. The first length (L1) of the antenna pattern (220) can be determined differently depending on the housing material of the earbud, the influence of surrounding components, and the length (Lo) of the overlapping area.

[0116] The second length (L2) of the first ground pattern (231) may be formed to be 3.0 mm or longer. For example, the second length (L2) of the first ground pattern (231) may be formed to be approximately 13.5 mm or longer within a predetermined range, but is not limited thereto. The second length (L2) of the first ground pattern (231) may be formed to be shorter than the maximum length of the earbud stock, i.e., the bar portion.

[0117] The connection length (L4) of the second ground pattern (232) can be formed to be 0.5 mm or longer. For example, the connection length (L4) of the second ground pattern (232) can be formed to be approximately 4.5 mm or longer within a predetermined range, but is not limited thereto. The connection length (L4) of the second ground pattern (232) can be formed to be less than the maximum width of the earbud stock, i.e., the bar portion.

[0118] The third length (L3) of the third ground pattern (233) may be formed to be 1.0 mm or longer. For example, the third length (L3) of the third ground pattern (233) may be formed to be approximately 8.6 mm or longer within a predetermined range, but is not limited thereto. The third length (L3) of the third ground pattern (233) may be determined differently depending on the housing material of the earbud, the influence of surrounding parts, and the length (Lo) of the overlapping area.

[0119] Referring to FIG. 11a, in the second example structure, the length (Lo) of the overlapping area between the antenna pattern (220) and the third ground pattern (233) can be formed within a predetermined range from 1.5 mm. The first length (L1) of the antenna pattern (220) can be formed within a predetermined range from 7.4 mm. The second length (L2) of the first ground pattern (231) can be formed within a predetermined range from 13.5 mm. The connection length (L4) of the second ground pattern (232) can be formed within a predetermined range from 4.5 mm. The third length (L3) of the second ground pattern (233) can be formed within a predetermined range from 8.6 mm. Accordingly, the total length of the second example structure of the antenna structure (220) can be determined as L1 + L2 + L3 + L4 - Lo = 7.4mm + 13.5mm + 4.5mm + 8.6mm - 1.5mm = 32.5mm.

[0120] Referring to FIG. 11b, in the third example structure, the length (Lo) of the overlapping area of ​​the antenna pattern (220) and the third ground pattern (233) can be formed within a predetermined range from 4.0 mm. The first length (L1) of the antenna pattern (220) can be formed within a predetermined range from 6.0 mm. The second length (L2) of the first ground pattern (231) can be formed within a predetermined range from 7.0 mm. The connection length (L4) of the second ground pattern (232) can be formed within a predetermined range from 4.5 mm. The third length (L3) of the second ground pattern (233) can be formed within a predetermined range from 6.0 mm. Accordingly, the total length of the third example structure of the antenna structure (220) can be determined as L1 + L2 + L3 + L4 - Lo = 6.0 mm + 7.0 mm + 4.5 mm + 6.0 mm - 4.0 mm = 19.5 mm. Thus, by increasing the overlap length (Lo), the length of the entire antenna structure can be reduced while maintaining antenna performance.

[0121] Referring to FIGS. 11a and 11b, as the overlap length (Lo) increases from 1.5 mm to 4.0 mm, the length (L4) of the antenna structure (200) can be reduced from 13.5 mm to 7.0 mm. Since the ground pattern (230) is formed to surround the antenna pattern (220), the maximum length (L4) of the antenna structure (200) corresponds to the length (L4) of the third ground pattern (233). The length (L4) of the antenna pattern (220) having the overlap length (Lo) has a range of 7.0 mm to 13.5 mm. On the other hand, the antenna structure of FIG. 6(b) is formed to have a length of approximately 26 mm to 30 mm.

[0122] An antenna structure (200) formed such that a ground pattern (230) according to the present specification surrounds an antenna pattern (220) and has an overlapping area can reduce its length to 1 / 2 or less. Accordingly, through the antenna structure (200) according to the present specification, the antenna bandwidth and gain performance can be improved while reducing the antenna length, thereby reducing the length of the bar portion of the earbud, which can improve content reception performance and enhance user convenience.

[0123] Meanwhile, the antenna structure of the earbud according to the present specification may be implemented on at least one flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). In this regard, FIG. 12 shows the side exterior and the internal structure viewed from the side of the earbud according to the present specification. FIG. 13 shows a structure in which the antenna pattern and ground pattern of the side exterior of the earbud of FIG. 12 are implemented in the form of an FPCB. FIG. 14 shows the front exterior and the internal structure viewed from the front of the earbud of FIG. 12.

[0124] Referring to FIGS. 12 to 14, an antenna pattern (220) may be formed on a first flexible circuit board (FPCB) (161) connected to a first surface of the PCB (150). A ground pattern (230) may be formed on a second FPCB (162) connected to a second surface facing the first surface of the PCB (150). The second FPCB (162) may be formed to include a plurality of regions. The first FPCB (161) and the second FPCB (162) may be referred to as an FPCB (160).

[0125] The second FPCB (162) may be formed to include a first region (162-R1) and a second region (162-R2). The first region (162-R1) may be formed to be attached to the second surface of the PCB (150) so as to extend the ground of the PCB (150). The first region (162-R1) may correspond to the first ground region (231) of FIG. 5. The second region (162-R2) may be formed to surround the antenna pattern (220) and may be coupled with the antenna pattern (220) to form a radiation region. The second region (162-R2) may correspond to the second ground region (232) and the third ground region (233) of FIG. 5.

[0126] In addition to the antenna structure (200), other components may be disposed in the earbud according to the present specification. The earbud (100) may further include a battery (240) and a microphone module (250). The battery (240) may be disposed in the space between the first FPCB (161) and the second FPCB (162). The battery (240) may be attached to the second FPCB (162) on which the first ground pattern (231) is formed.

[0127] Meanwhile, the ground pattern (231) may be formed with a folded structure so that different parts are arranged. In this regard, the ground pattern (231) may be configured to include a first sub-pattern (231a) and a second sub-pattern (231b). The first sub-pattern (231a) may be arranged apart from the third ground pattern (233) by a first gap (G1). The second sub-pattern (231b) may be formed by folding at the end of the first sub-pattern (231a). The second sub-pattern (231b) may be arranged apart from the third ground pattern (233) by a second gap (G2) that is narrower than the first gap (G1).

[0128] The microphone module (250) can be attached to the second sub-pattern (231b). The microphone module (250) can be placed in the space between the first FPCB (161) and the second FPCB (162) on which the antenna pattern (220) is formed.

[0129] The battery (240) may be placed in the first region (162-R1) of the second FPCB (162). The upper region of the battery (240) may be attached to the second FPCB (162) on which the first ground pattern (231) is formed. The lower region of the battery (240) may be placed spaced apart from the second FPCB (162) on which the third ground pattern (233) is formed by a third distance (G3).

[0130] The microphone module (250) can be placed in the second region (162-R2) of the second FPCB (162). The lower region of the microphone module (250) can be placed on the support portion (162a) of the second FPCB (162). The lower region of the microphone module (250) can be placed spaced apart from the first FPCB (162), on which the third ground pattern (233) is formed, by a third gap (G3). Accordingly, the lower region of the battery (240) and the lower region of the microphone module (250) can form the first ground pattern (231). Thus, even though the second FPCB (162) is formed by bending, the first ground pattern (231) can be formed at a constant height. In this regard, when the second FPCB (162) is bent, a battery (240) is placed in the first region (162-R1) and a separate component is placed on the upper part of the second region (162-R2), so that other electronic components and modules other than the antenna structure can be optimally placed.

[0131] The first surface of the battery (240) and the second surface of the microphone module (250) can be attached to the second FPCB (162). The second surface of the battery (240) and the second surface of the microphone module (250) can form a first ground pattern (231). Thus, even though the second FPCB (162) is formed by bending, the first ground pattern (231) can be formed at a certain height. In this regard, when the second FPCB (162) is bent, the battery (240) is placed in the first area (162-R1) and a separate component is placed on the upper part of the second area (162-R2), so that other electronic components and modules other than the antenna structure can be optimally placed.

[0132] The gap between the lower region of the battery (240) and the lower region of the microphone module (250) may be set to be the same as described above, or set to a gap within a predetermined range. In this regard, the third gap (G3) between the second surface of the battery (240) and the third ground pattern (233) and the fourth gap (G4) between the second surface of the microphone module (250) and the third ground pattern (233) may be formed to be less than or equal to a predetermined gap.

[0133] Referring to FIGS. 9 through 13, the length (Lo) of the overlapping area between the antenna pattern (220) and the third ground pattern (233) may be formed in a range between 1 mm and 5 mm. The first length (L1) of the antenna pattern (220) may be formed to be 1.0 mm or more. For example, the first length (L1) of the antenna pattern (220) may be formed to be approximately 7.4 mm or more within a predetermined range, but is not limited thereto. The first length (L1) of the antenna pattern (220) may be determined differently depending on the housing material of the earbud, the influence of surrounding components, and the length (Lo) of the overlapping area.

[0134] The second length (L2) of the first ground pattern (231) may be formed to be 3.0 mm or longer. For example, the second length (L2) of the first ground pattern (231) may be formed to be approximately 13.5 mm or longer within a predetermined range, but is not limited thereto. The second length (L2) of the first ground pattern (231) may be formed to be shorter than the maximum length of the earbud stock, i.e., the bar portion.

[0135] The connection length (L4) of the second ground pattern (232) can be formed to be 0.5 mm or longer. For example, the connection length (L4) of the second ground pattern (232) can be formed to be approximately 4.5 mm or longer within a predetermined range, but is not limited thereto. The connection length (L4) of the second ground pattern (232) can be formed to be less than the maximum width of the earbud stock, i.e., the bar portion.

[0136] The third length (L3) of the third ground pattern (233) may be formed to be 1.0 mm or longer. For example, the third length (L3) of the third ground pattern (233) may be formed to be approximately 8.6 mm or longer within a predetermined range, but is not limited thereto. The third length (L3) of the third ground pattern (233) may be determined differently depending on the housing material of the earbud, the influence of surrounding parts, and the length (Lo) of the overlapping area.

[0137] The above describes an antenna structure provided inside an earbud and an earbud having the antenna structure according to the present specification. Below, the antenna structure provided inside an earbud according to the present specification and an electronic device having the antenna structure will be described with reference to the structural and technical features described above. In this regard, the earbud may be referred to as an electronic device. Since the earbud receives content such as music through wireless communication with a mobile terminal (host device), a wireless earbud may also constitute an electronic device. Meanwhile, the structural and technical features described above may be applied to the electronic device described below. Furthermore, the configuration of the antenna structure (antenna module) described below and the wireless connection method through the electronic device equipped with it may also be applied to the earbud described above.

[0138] In this regard, FIG. 15 illustrates the configuration of an electronic device having an antenna module according to the present specification as described above and the antenna module. The electronic device (100) includes an antenna module (200) and may further include an RF circuit (10) and a processor (30). Referring to FIGS. 1 through 15, an electronic device (100) having an antenna structure is described. In this regard, an electronic device (100), such as a wireless earbud, may include the antenna module (200) of FIGS. 1 and FIG. 14 and the dielectric housing (120) of FIG. 2.

[0139] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 15, an electronic device (100), such as a wireless earbud, may further include an RF circuit (10), a sensor module (20), a control circuit (30), a battery (40, 240), and a microphone (50, 250). A memory may be provided, either included in the control circuit (30) or separately. If the electronic device (100), such as a wireless earbud, is provided with a memory, it may receive wireless signals from a host device (100a) via a Wi-Fi wireless interface in addition to Bluetooth and UWB. The memory may be configured to store received content, control information, or setting information.

[0140] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 15, an electronic device (100) having an antenna module (200) will be described. The electronic device (100) may be configured to include a dielectric housing (120) and an antenna module (200). The dielectric housing (120) may be configured to have a main body portion (120b) having a port and a protruding portion (122) extending from the main body portion.

[0141] An antenna module (200) may be configured to be placed within a protrusion (122) to radiate a wireless signal to the outside of an electronic device. The antenna module (200) may include a feed section (210) configured to be connected to a signal pattern of a circuit structure placed inside the main body (120) and to transmit a signal. The antenna module (200) may include a radiator pattern (220) formed with a first length (L1) to be connected to the feed section and to radiate a signal. The antenna module (200) may include a ground pattern (230) formed to be connected to a ground pattern of the circuit structure and to surround the radiator pattern (220) on one side and the other side of the radiator pattern (220). The ground pattern (230) may be formed with a second length (L2) and a third length (L3) to surround one side and the lower region of the radiator pattern (220). The ground pattern (230) can be formed with a second length (L2) to a fourth length (L4) to surround one side, the lower region, and the other side of the radiator pattern (220).

[0142] The circuit structure may be implemented as a printed circuit board (PCB) configured to be electrically connected to the antenna module (220). The ground pattern (230) may include a first ground pattern (231) that is connected to the ground pattern of the PCB (150) and is formed with a second length on one side of the radiator pattern (220). The ground pattern (230) may include a second ground pattern (232) that is connected to the first ground pattern (231) and is formed with a second length (L2). The ground pattern (230) may include a third ground pattern (233) that is connected to the second ground pattern (232) and is formed with a fourth length (L4) on the other side of the radiator pattern (220).

[0143] The second ground pattern (232) may be formed perpendicularly to the first ground pattern (231). The second ground pattern (232) may be arranged parallel to the feed section (210). The third ground pattern (233) may be formed perpendicularly to the second ground pattern (232). The third ground pattern (233) may be arranged parallel to the radiator pattern (220). The third ground pattern (233) forms an overlapping area that overlaps with the radiator pattern (220) by a predetermined length in a uniaxial direction on the other side of the radiator pattern (220). The overlapping area has an overlapping length (Lo) in a uniaxial direction.

[0144] A radiator pattern (220) may be formed on a first flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) (161) connected to a first surface of the PCB (150). A ground pattern (230) may be formed on a second FPCB (162) connected to a second surface facing the first surface of the PCB (150). The second FPCB (162) may include a first region (162-R1) attached to the second surface of the PCB (150). The second FPCB (162) may include a second region (162-R2) formed to surround the radiator pattern (220) and coupled with the radiator pattern (220) to form a radiating region.

[0145] Meanwhile, the electronic device (100) can improve content playback capabilities by receiving wireless signals through a different wireless interface from the host device (100a). In this regard, FIG. 14 shows the configuration of an electronic device and an antenna module having an antenna module according to the present specification as described above. The electronic device (100) includes an antenna module (200) and may further include an RF circuit (10) and a processor (30).

[0146] The RF circuit (10) may be operably coupled with the antenna module (200) and configured to transmit a wireless signal of a specific frequency band to the antenna module (200). The processor (30) may be operably coupled with the RF circuit (10) and configured to control the RF circuit (10).

[0147] The processor (30) can control the RF circuit (10) so that a first wireless signal of a first frequency band (B1) is received through the antenna module (200). If the signal quality of the first wireless signal is below a threshold, the wireless signal can be received through another frequency band to ensure that the content included in the wireless signal is always received reliably. To this end, the processor (30) or the processor of the host device (100a) can determine whether the signal quality of the first wireless signal is below a threshold.

[0148] If the signal quality of the first wireless signal is below a threshold, the host device (100a) can transmit content such as music to an electronic device (100), such as a wireless earbud, through a second wireless signal in the first frequency band. The signal quality of the wireless signal can be determined by whether the SNR and SINR of the wireless signal are above a threshold, but is not limited thereto.

[0149] The signal quality of the wireless signal may be estimated through the sensor module (20) from whether the user is moving and the resulting movement speed and / or acceleration. The quality of the wireless signal may be estimated through the degree to which the user enters or is adjacent to a specific area where it is determined that there are many other users during a specific time period. Additionally, the quality of the wireless signal may be estimated by determining the value sensed through the aforementioned sensor module (20) and the degree to which the user enters or is adjacent to a specific area. In this regard, the first wireless signal may be a Bluetooth signal or a Wi-Fi signal in the 2.4 GHz band, but is not limited thereto. The second wireless signal may be a UWB signal or a Wi-Fi signal in the 5 GHz band, but is not limited thereto.

[0150] As another example, in the case of real-time content, the host device (100a) can simultaneously transmit the same content to the electronic device (100) via the first wireless signal and the second wireless signal. Depending on the signal quality, the processor (30) may selectively receive the first wireless signal and the second wireless signal or receive them simultaneously.

[0151] If it is determined that the signal quality of the first wireless signal is below a threshold, the processor (30) can control the RF circuit (10) so that a second wireless signal of a second frequency band (B2) higher than the first frequency band (B1) is received from the host device (100a) through the antenna module (200). The first wireless signal may be a wireless signal of the first frequency band (B1), that is, a first frequency (f1) of the 2.4 GHz band. The second wireless signal may be a wireless signal of the second frequency band (B2), that is, a second frequency (f2) of the 5 GHz band. Accordingly, the electronic device (100) can improve its content playback capability by receiving wireless signals through different wireless interfaces from the host device (100a).

[0152] The configuration of a wireless earbud equipped with an antenna structure has been described in detail above. The technical effects of a wireless earbud equipped with such an antenna structure can be summarized as follows, but are not limited thereto.

[0153] According to the present specification, an antenna structure with a reduced antenna length is placed inside the housing of a wireless earbud to receive a wireless signal containing content.

[0154] According to the present specification, an antenna structure in an electronic device such as wireless earbuds is configured to operate in multiple frequency bands, thereby enabling stable reception of wireless signals even when the surrounding environment changes.

[0155] According to the present specification, antenna bandwidth characteristics can be improved by increasing the effective volume of the antenna by forming a ground pattern to surround the antenna pattern.

[0156] According to the present specification, the effective volume of the antenna can be increased by forming a ground pattern to surround the antenna pattern, thereby improving the antenna efficiency characteristics.

[0157] According to the present specification, an antenna structure in an electronic device, such as a wireless earbud, can be configured to operate in a wideband manner.

[0158] According to the present specification, when wearing wireless earbuds, wireless signals can be stably received even when the antenna resonance frequency changes due to human movement or movement of the wireless earbuds within the space inside the ear.

[0159] According to the present specification, changes in antenna performance due to the narrow antenna placement space placed inside the mechanism of the wireless earbud can be minimized, thereby stably maintaining wireless communication performance.

[0160] Further scopes of the applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention are clearly understood by those skilled in the art, specific embodiments, such as the detailed description and preferred embodiments of the present invention, should be understood as being given merely as examples.

[0161] In relation to the present invention described above, the antenna structure disposed in the wireless earbud and the control operation thereon may be implemented using software, firmware, or a combination thereof. Meanwhile, the configuration performing the control operation thereon and the antenna structure disposed in the wireless earbud may be implemented as computer-readable code on a medium on which a program is recorded. A computer-readable medium includes all types of recording devices in which data readable by a computer system is stored. Examples of computer-readable media include HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Disk), SSD (Silicon Disk Drive), ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, optical data storage device, etc., and also include implementations in the form of a carrier wave (e.g., transmission over the Internet). Furthermore, the computer may include a control unit of the terminal or wireless earbud, i.e., a processor. Accordingly, the above detailed description should not be interpreted restrictively in all respects and should be considered exemplary. The scope of the present invention shall be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the present invention are included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

Claim 1 An earbud comprises: a housing having a main body portion having a speaker port and a stoke extending from the main body portion; an antenna structure disposed within the stoke for radiating a wireless signal to the outside of the earbud; and a printed circuit board (PCB) configured to be electrically connected to the antenna structure, wherein the antenna structure comprises: a feed portion configured to be connected to a signal pattern of the PCB and to transmit a signal; an antenna pattern formed with a first length connected to the feed portion and to radiate the signal; and a ground pattern formed to be connected to a ground pattern of the PCB and to surround the antenna pattern on one side and the other side of the antenna pattern, wherein the antenna pattern is formed on a first flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) connected to a first surface of the PCB, and the ground pattern is formed on a second FPCB connected to a second surface facing the first surface of the PCB, and the second FPCB comprises a first region attached to the second surface of the PCB; An earbud comprising a second region formed to surround the antenna pattern and coupled with the antenna pattern to form a radiation region. Claim 2 The earbud according to claim 1, wherein the ground pattern comprises: a first ground pattern connected to the ground pattern of the PCB and formed with a second length on one side of the antenna pattern; a second ground pattern connected to the first ground pattern and formed with a third length; and a third ground pattern connected to the second ground pattern and formed with a fourth length on the other side of the antenna pattern, wherein the widths of the first ground pattern and the third ground pattern are formed wider than the width of the antenna pattern. Claim 3 In claim 2, the second ground pattern is formed perpendicularly to the first ground pattern and arranged parallel to the feed portion, and the third ground pattern is formed perpendicularly to the second ground pattern and arranged parallel to the antenna pattern, an earbud. Claim 4 In claim 2, the third ground pattern forms an overlapping area that overlaps with the antenna pattern by a predetermined length in an axial direction on the other side of the antenna pattern, an earbud. Claim 5 In claim 4, the earbud, wherein the second ground pattern in the other axis direction perpendicular to the first axis direction is formed to have a length longer than the length of the feed portion. Claim 6 delete Claim 7 delete Claim 8 An earbud according to claim 2, further comprising a battery attached to the second FPCB having the first ground pattern formed thereon and disposed in the space between the first FPCB having the antenna pattern formed thereon and the second FPCB. Claim 9 In claim 8, the first ground pattern comprises: a first sub-pattern disposed at a first interval from the third ground pattern; and a second sub-pattern bent at the end of the first sub-pattern and disposed at a second interval narrower than the first interval from the third ground pattern. Claim 10 The earbud according to claim 9 further comprises a microphone module attached to the second sub-pattern and disposed in the space between the first FPCB and the second FPCB on which the antenna pattern is formed. Claim 11 In claim 10, the first surface of the battery and the second surface of the microphone module are attached to the second FPCB, and the second surface of the battery and the second surface of the microphone module form the first ground pattern, an earbud. Claim 12 In claim 11, the third gap between the second surface of the battery and the third ground pattern and the fourth gap between the second surface of the microphone module and the third ground pattern are formed to be less than or equal to a predetermined gap. Claim 13 An earbud comprises: a housing having a main body portion having a speaker port and a stoke extending from the main body portion; an antenna structure disposed within the stoke for radiating a wireless signal to the outside of the earbud; and a printed circuit board (PCB) configured to be electrically connected to the antenna structure, wherein the antenna structure comprises: a feed portion configured to be connected to a signal pattern of the PCB and to transmit a signal; an antenna pattern formed with a first length connected to the feed portion and to radiate the signal; and a ground pattern formed to be connected to a ground pattern of the PCB and to surround the antenna pattern on one side and the other side of the antenna pattern, wherein the ground pattern comprises: a first ground pattern connected to the ground pattern of the PCB and formed with a second length on one side of the antenna pattern; and a second ground pattern connected to the first ground pattern and formed with a third length. An earbud comprising a third ground pattern connected to the second ground pattern and formed with a fourth length on the other side of the antenna pattern, wherein the antenna structure operates as a radiator in the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 GHz band, and the total length, which is the sum of the first length of the antenna pattern, the second length of the first ground pattern, the connection length of the second ground pattern, and the third length of the third ground pattern, is formed within a predetermined range from a half wavelength length in the 2.4 GHz band. Claim 14 In claim 13, the length of the overlapping area of ​​the antenna pattern and the third ground pattern is formed to be in the range between 1 mm and 5 mm, the first length of the antenna pattern is formed to be 1.0 mm or more, the second length of the first ground pattern is formed to be 3.0 mm or more, the connection length of the second ground pattern is formed to be 0.5 mm or more, and the third ground pattern is formed to have a third length of 1.0 mm or more, an earbud. Claim 15 In claim 14, the length of the overlapping area is formed within a predetermined range from 1.5 mm, the first length of the antenna pattern is formed within a predetermined range from 7.4 mm, the second length of the first ground pattern is formed within a predetermined range from 13.5 mm, the connection length of the second ground pattern is formed within a predetermined range from 4.5 mm, and the third length of the third ground pattern is formed within a predetermined range from 8.6 mm, the earbud. Claim 16 In claim 14, the length of the overlapping area is formed within a predetermined range from 4.0 mm, the first length of the antenna pattern is formed within a predetermined range from 6.0 mm, the second length of the first ground pattern is formed within a predetermined range from 7.0 mm, the connection length of the second ground pattern is formed within a predetermined range from 4.5 mm, and the third length of the third ground pattern is formed within a predetermined range from 6.0 mm, an earbud. Claim 17 An electronic device comprises: a dielectric housing having a main body portion having a port and a protruding portion extending from the main body portion; and an antenna module disposed within the protruding portion and radiating a wireless signal to the outside of the electronic device, wherein the antenna module comprises: a feed portion configured to transmit a signal connected to a signal pattern of a circuit structure disposed inside the main body portion; a radiator pattern formed with a first length connected to the feed portion and radiating the signal; and a ground pattern connected to a ground pattern of the circuit structure and formed to surround the radiator pattern on one side and the other side of the radiator pattern, wherein the antenna pattern is formed on a first flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) connected to a first surface of a PCB, and the ground pattern is formed on a second FPCB connected to a second surface facing the first surface of the PCB, and the second FPCB comprises a first region attached to the second surface of the PCB; An electronic device comprising a second region formed to surround the antenna pattern and coupled with the antenna pattern to form a radiation region. Claim 18 An electronic device according to claim 17, wherein the circuit structure is implemented as a printed circuit board (PCB) configured to be electrically connected to the antenna module, and the ground pattern comprises: a first ground pattern connected to the ground pattern of the PCB and formed with a second length on one side of the radiator pattern; a second ground pattern connected to the first ground pattern and formed with a third length; and a third ground pattern connected to the second ground pattern and formed with a fourth length on the other side of the radiator pattern. Claim 19 An electronic device according to claim 18, wherein the second ground pattern is formed perpendicularly to the first ground pattern and arranged parallel to the feed section, the third ground pattern is formed perpendicularly to the second ground pattern and arranged parallel to the radiator pattern, and the third ground pattern forms an overlapping area that overlaps with the radiator pattern by a predetermined length in an axial direction on the other side of the radiator pattern. Claim 20 An electronic device according to claim 17, further comprising: an RF circuit operably coupled to the antenna module and transmitting a wireless signal of a specific frequency band to the antenna module; and a processor operably coupled to the RF circuit and configured to control the RF circuit, wherein the processor controls the RF circuit so that a first wireless signal of a first frequency band is received through the antenna module, and if it is determined that the signal quality of the first wireless signal is below a threshold, controls the RF circuit so that a second wireless signal of a second frequency band higher than the first frequency band is received through the antenna module from a host device.

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